PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to the national and local government to continue intensifying their pandemic efforts, particularly in far-flung areas.
In his video message during a relief activity in Balayan and Lian, Batangas on Tuesday, May 17, Go also underscored that vaccines are key to the country’s return to normalcy.
Go then urged his fellow Batangueños who are eligible yet still unvaccinated to participate in the national inoculation program to better protect themselves from the virus. He also asked them to remain vigilant and to continue following the health preventive measures.
“Nakikiusap din po ako sa mga LGUs, sa ating national government, magtulungan po tayo. Kung kailangan po, suyurin natin ‘yung mga senior citizens at PWDs para po protektado sila,” the senator said.
“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19,” added Go.
The relief operations were held at the Gumamela covered court in Balayan and Brgy. 4 covered court in Lian where the senator’s team distributed meals and masks to 326 struggling Batangueños. They also gave bicycles, shoes and phablets to select residents.
Moreover, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to help mitigate the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
“Alam ko pong mahirap ang panahon ngayon, nasa krisis tayo dulot ng COVID-19. Magtulungan lang tayo, magbayanihan ho tayo at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” said Go.
“Siguraduhin nating walang Pilipinong maiiwan sa ating pagbangon mula sa pandemya,” he reiterated.
He then encouraged those in need of medical care to visit Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City or Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist them with their medical-related expenses. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
Staunch advocate for improving access to quality healthcare services, Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act in 2019 to give poor and indigent patients convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Concluding his message, Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON, recognized the hard work and commitment of the local leaders in ensuring that no Batangueño is left behind towards recovery.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also helped secure funding for the construction of multipurpose buildings and repair of a road in Balayan, and the improvement of a box culvert in Lian.
He also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alitagtag, Batangas City, Ibaan, Lemery, Lipa City, Mabini, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, Santo Tomas and Taal; concretion of farm-to-market roads in Agoncillo, Laurel, Nasugbu and Tuy; acquisition of ambulance units in Ibaan and Lemery; and the acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in Lipa City and San Juan.
Go’s team conducted a similar relief effort for more indigents in Santa Teresita last May 6. (OSBG)
